This article is co-published with Japan's Seafood Legacy.
 

Shark fin soup, a dish known for its use of shark fins, has long been considered a luxury delicacy worldwide. However, the practice of removing fins and discarding the rest of the shark back into the ocean, often while still alive (so called shark finning), is banned in many countries and regions due to its cruelty and the threat it poses to endangered sharks. It is also considered IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. 

For example, shark finning is prohibited by bodies such as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the EU. Japan, too, has implemented domestic measures to protect sharks and manage shark fishery, including regulations that require the entire shark to be kept on board until it is landed. Similarly, Taiwan has banned shark finning.

However, in June 2024, it was revealed that a Taiwanese fishing vessel had engaged in shark finning. This illegal activity might have occurred within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or in international waters under the WCPFC’s jurisdiction. This is not the first such incident involving Taiwan. What underlying issues contribute to this problem, and what can Japan do to address it? With insights from the Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST), we explore Japan's potential role in solving this issue.

Discovery of Shark Finning Affecting 2,000 to 3,000 Sharks

On June 19, 2024, Taiwan's Fisheries Agency and Ocean Affairs Council jointly inspected the Taiwanese vessel Jin Man Fa No. 66 at the Nanfang’ao Fishing Harbor, discovering 6.5 tons of blue shark fins, equivalent to about 2,000 to 3,000 sharks*1. It is believed that the sharks' bodies were discarded at sea to save space onboard. Taiwan has required since 2011 that shark fins be landed with the rest of the shark’s body. Violators face fines and revocation of their fishing licenses. However, this incident highlights ongoing loopholes in enforcement.

Repeat Offenses and Lax Penalties

The Jin Man Fa No. 66 vessel has previously violated regulations. In 2021, it was reported for illegally discarding 13 tons of shark bodies after finning them. The vessel’s operator received a fine of 5 million Taiwan dollars and had their fishing license suspended for 16 months, yet the same illegal practices were repeated just three years later.

The recurrence of such offenses is due to loopholes in the law. Under current Taiwanese regulations, permanent revocation of fishing licenses can only occur after two offenses in one year or three total violations. As long as these limits are not exceeded, it remains possible for vessels to continue illegal practices.

This case illustrates the persistence of IUU fishing for shark fins, exposing weaknesses in existing regulations. While Taiwanese authorities have tightened regulations to protect sharks, and the “Zero tolerance” policy was announced, they have not yet prevented repeat offenders like the Jin Man Fa No. 66.

Possibility of Shark Finning-Linked Tuna Entering the Japanese Market

According to EAST, nearly half of the world’s shark fin trade takes place in markets like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Thus, resolving this issue requires stronger cooperation among these nations.

While Japan is not a major shark fin trader, it is a key partner in Taiwan’s seafood trade and can play a significant role in eliminating shark finning. This is especially relevant for Japan’s tuna consumption. A large portion of the tuna consumed in Japan is imported from Taiwan, raising the possibility that tuna caught by vessels engaged in shark finning could enter the Japanese market. Consequently, Japanese buyers may unknowingly purchase tuna linked to illegal activities.

What can Japan’s businesses and government do to reduce the risk of involvement in such illegal activities and help eliminate shark finning?

Actions for Japanese Companies and the Government

Enhance Transparency

Japanese companies can introduce stricter traceability systems to ensure that seafood products linked to IUU fishing, such as shark finning, are avoided. To provide Japanese seafood consumers with sustainably and responsibly sourced products, it is vital to track the routes and activities of fishing vessels in relevant fishing areas and to obtain data on catches and fishing methods from the WCPFC or other regulatory authorities.

Obtain MSC Certification

In MSC-certified fisheries, shark finning is prohibited. Fisheries applying for certification must present evidence of measures taken to prevent shark finning and demonstrate compliance with these measures. Utilizing certification systems like this is an effective way to eliminate shark finning from the seafood supply chain.

Expand the Scope of the Sustainable Fisheries Law

To prevent IUU-caught seafood from entering the Japanese market, the "Domestic Distribution of Specified Fisheries Products Act" should expand its list of regulated species to include products related to shark finning. This will ensure thorough monitoring of the distribution of such products.

In the future, Japanese companies may be expected to take proactive measures to eliminate involvement in shark finning as part of their efforts to reduce environmental impacts. It is crucial not to leave the problem unresolved but to take preemptive actions.

Collaboration Between Japan and Taiwan Is Key to Solving the Issue

To close the loopholes in Taiwan's legal system, stricter enforcement by Taiwanese authorities is necessary. However, cooperation from partner countries, including Japan, is also essential.

As a major tuna consumer, Japan has the potential to contribute to the eradication of shark finning and IUU fishing. Japanese companies can ensure that they procure seafood free from involvement in illegal shark fin trades, and consumers can help solve the problem by choosing sustainable seafood. Cooperation between Japan and Taiwan, both in the public and private sectors, can lead to sustainable fisheries practices, protect marine ecosystems, and safeguard seafood resources for the future.